More Topics

Weather Forecast

Deer hunters who use a firearm or muzzleloader in a lottery area and want to harvest an antlerless deer must apply for an either-sex permit by the Thursday, Sept. 8, deadline established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Deadlines for firearm and muzzleloader special hunts also are Sept. 8.

Lottery either-

sex permits

Hunters can apply for an either-sex permit in lottery deer areas using both their firearm and muzzleloader licenses. Although a hunter can be selected for both permits, successful applicants still can only take one deer.

The change for 2011 is that the either-sex permit will be valid for both the firearm and muzzleloader season; however, a hunter must have a valid license for that season and the bag limit remains one deer per year.

"Every year we estimate deer numbers using a population model that considers harvest and over-winter survival," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "We use that information to determine which areas will be designated as lottery."

In lottery deer areas, firearms and muzzleloader hunters may only harvest a buck unless they apply for and receive an either-sex permit, which allows them to harvest an antlerless deer.

Firearm and muzzleloader special hunts

For special hunts, a person may draw both a firearm and muzzleloader permit. This year, the special hunt tables are not printed in the regulations book. A complete list is available online.

All lottery winners will receive permits via U.S. mail. Hunters may apply for an either-sex permit through any DNR license agent, online or by calling 888-665-4236.